Patents by Inventor Steve Nowak

Steve Nowak has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230320715
    Abstract: A joint clamp for a surgical retractor system includes a knob, a lower clamp, one or more upper clamps between the lower clamp and the knob, and a bolt that passes through the one or more upper clamps. The lower clamp includes a spring, an upper portion, a lower portion pivotally coupled to the upper portion, and a clamping passage that passes laterally through the upper and lower portions of the lower clamp. The bolt includes a bolt upper portion coupled to the knob and a lower portion secured to the upper portion of the lower clamp. The spring exerts a biasing force on the lower portion of the lower clamp that pivots threads of the lower clamp toward the upper portion of the lower clamp.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2022
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: Chris Martin, Steve Nowak
  • Publication number: 20230248344
    Abstract: A joint clamp for a surgical retractor system includes clamps, a cam bolt, and a cam lever. The cam bolt passes through the clamps. A cam lever comprising a cam head pivotally attached an upper portion the cam bolt to permit rotation between a locked position and an unlocked positions. The joint clamp may include springs which provide a scissors clamp of the clamps with a clip-on feature in which the scissors clamp may clipped-on and clipped-off an object such as a frame member, table post, or retractor handle. The springs may further prevent or reduce a rising movement of the clamps when the cam lever rotates from an unlocked state to a locked state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2023
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventor: Steve Nowak
  • Publication number: 20230172685
    Abstract: A joint clamp for a surgical retractor system includes clamps, a cam bolt, and a cam lever. The cam bolt passes through the clamps. A cam lever comprising a cam head pivotally attached an upper portion the cam bolt to permit rotation about a pivot axis that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cam bolt. The cam head includes an outer surface that results in a distance between the pivot axis and an upper surface of the clamps being greater when the cam lever is rotated about the pivot axis to a clamping position than when the cam lever is rotated about the pivot axis to a non-clamping position. The clamping force may be calibrated or set via a cam bolt having an adjustable length and/or via a setting screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2022
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventor: Steve Nowak
  • Patent number: 11633180
    Abstract: A joint clamp for a surgical retractor system includes clamps, a cam bolt, and a cam lever. The cam bolt passes through the clamps. A cam lever comprising a cam head pivotally attached an upper portion the cam bolt to permit rotation between a locked position and an unlocked positions. The joint clamp may include springs which provide a scissors clamp of the clamps with a clip-on feature in which the scissors clamp may clipped-on and clipped-off an object such as a frame member, table post, or retractor handle. The springs may further prevent or reduce a rising movement of the clamps when the cam lever rotates from an unlocked state to a locked state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2023
    Assignee: Thompson Surgical Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Steve Nowak
  • Publication number: 20230098104
    Abstract: A joint clamp for a surgical retractor system includes clamps, a cam bolt, and a cam lever. The cam bolt passes through the clamps. A cam lever comprising a cam head pivotally attached an upper portion the cam bolt to permit rotation between a locked position and an unlocked positions. The joint clamp may include springs which provide a scissors clamp of the clamps with a clip-on feature in which the scissors clamp may clipped-on and clipped-off an object such as a frame member, table post, or retractor handle. The springs may further prevent or reduce a rising movement of the clamps when the cam lever rotates from an unlocked state to a locked state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2021
    Publication date: March 30, 2023
    Inventor: Steve Nowak
  • Publication number: 20220401093
    Abstract: A retractor system includes a retractor arm and a retractor blade attached to the retractor arm via a swivel gear of a retractor blade connector. The retractor blade includes an attachment post extending through a port of the swivel gear. The retractor blade connector further includes a swivel gear detent and a plunger. The swivel gear detent is positioned to selectively engage the swivel gear and prevent the swivel gear and attached retractor blade from rotating about the rotational axis. The plunger is movable among at least a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the plunger urges the swivel gear detent into engagement with the swivel gear and prevents rotation of the swivel gear and attached retractor blade about the rotational axis. In the unlocked position, the plunger permits the swivel gear and attached retractor blade to rotate past the swivel gear detent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2022
    Publication date: December 22, 2022
    Inventor: Steve Nowak
  • Patent number: 11523876
    Abstract: A joint clamp for a surgical retractor system includes clamps, a cam bolt, and a cam lever. The cam bolt passes through the clamps. A cam lever comprising a cam head pivotally attached an upper portion the cam bolt to permit rotation about a pivot axis that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cam bolt. The cam head includes an outer surface that results in a distance between the pivot axis and an upper surface of the clamps being greater when the cam lever is rotated about the pivot axis to a clamping position than when the cam lever is rotated about the pivot axis to a non-clamping position. The clamping force may be calibrated or set via a cam bolt having an adjustable length and/or via a setting screw.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2022
    Assignee: THOMPSON SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventor: Steve Nowak
  • Patent number: 11375989
    Abstract: A retractor system includes a retractor arm and a retractor blade attached to the retractor arm via a swivel gear of a retractor blade connector. The retractor blade includes an attachment post extending through a port of the swivel gear. The retractor blade connector further includes a swivel gear detent and a plunger. The swivel gear detent is positioned to selectively engage the swivel gear and prevent the swivel gear and attached retractor blade from rotating about the rotational axis. The plunger is movable among at least a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the plunger urges the swivel gear detent into engagement with the swivel gear and prevents rotation of the swivel gear and attached retractor blade about the rotational axis. In the unlocked position, the plunger permits the swivel gear and attached retractor blade to rotate past the swivel gear detent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: THOMPSON SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventor: Steve Nowak
  • Publication number: 20220000467
    Abstract: A retractor system can include a ring frame and a clamp. The ring frame can include a first ring segment and a second ring segment detachably joined to a first ring segment at a joint. The joint can be contained within a cross section of the ring frame that corresponds to a cutting plane perpendicular to an outer surface of the ring frame. The clamp can include an adjustment screw and a first set of jaws and a second set of jaws. The first set of jaws and second set of jaws can define a first aperture configured to receive the ring frame. Rotation of the adjustment screw in a tightening direction can cause the first set of jaws to engage the outer surface of the ring frame and apply a first clamping force to the outer surface of the ring frame received by the first aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: Steve Nowak, Travis Witulski, Christopher T. Martin
  • Publication number: 20210330420
    Abstract: A joint clamp for a surgical retractor system includes clamps, a cam bolt, and a cam lever. The cam bolt passes through the clamps. A cam lever comprising a cam head pivotally attached an upper portion the cam bolt to permit rotation about a pivot axis that is perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the cam bolt. The cam head includes an outer surface that results in a distance between the pivot axis and an upper surface of the clamps being greater when the cam lever is rotated about the pivot axis to a clamping position than when the cam lever is rotated about the pivot axis to a non-clamping position. The clamping force may be calibrated or set via a cam bolt having an adjustable length and/or via a setting screw.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Publication date: October 28, 2021
    Inventor: Steve Nowak
  • Patent number: 11123056
    Abstract: A retractor system can include a ring frame and a clamp. The ring frame can include a first ring segment and a second ring segment detachably joined to a first ring segment at a joint. The joint can be contained within a cross section of the ring frame that corresponds to a cutting plane perpendicular to an outer surface of the ring frame. The clamp can include an adjustment screw and a first set of jaws and a second set of jaws. The first set of jaws and second set of jaws can define a first aperture configured to receive the ring frame. Rotation of the adjustment screw in a tightening direction can cause the first set of jaws to engage the outer surface of the ring frame and apply a first clamping force to the outer surface of the ring frame received by the first aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: THOMPSON SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Steve Nowak, Travis Witulski, Christopher T. Martin
  • Publication number: 20210169462
    Abstract: A retractor system includes a retractor arm and a retractor blade attached to the retractor arm via a swivel gear of a retractor blade connector. The retractor blade includes an attachment post extending through a port of the swivel gear. The retractor blade connector further includes a swivel gear detent and a plunger. The swivel gear detent is positioned to selectively engage the swivel gear and prevent the swivel gear and attached retractor blade from rotating about the rotational axis. The plunger is movable among at least a locked position and an unlocked position. In the locked position, the plunger urges the swivel gear detent into engagement with the swivel gear and prevents rotation of the swivel gear and attached retractor blade about the rotational axis. In the unlocked position, the plunger permits the swivel gear and attached retractor blade to rotate past the swivel gear detent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2019
    Publication date: June 10, 2021
    Inventor: Steve Nowak
  • Publication number: 20210068801
    Abstract: A surgical adaptor comprises a first member is attachable to a first surgical instrument having a projection that defines an axis, A second member is attachable to a second surgical instrument such that the second surgical instrument is movable in at least two degrees of freedom relative to the axis. Surgical systems, instruments and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2020
    Publication date: March 11, 2021
    Applicant: WARSAW ORTHOPEDIC INC.
    Inventors: Cristian A. CAPOTE, Christopher T. MARTIN, Steve NOWAK
  • Publication number: 20200367875
    Abstract: A retractor system can include a ring frame and a clamp. The ring frame can include a first ring segment and a second ring segment detachably joined to a first ring segment at a joint. The joint can be contained within a cross section of the ring frame that corresponds to a cutting plane perpendicular to an outer surface of the ring frame. The clamp can include an adjustment screw and a first set of jaws and a second set of jaws. The first set of jaws and second set of jaws can define a first aperture configured to receive the ring frame. Rotation of the adjustment screw in a tightening direction can cause the first set of jaws to engage the outer surface of the ring frame and apply a first clamping force to the outer surface of the ring frame received by the first aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Publication date: November 26, 2020
    Inventors: Steve Nowak, Travis Witulski, Christopher T. Martin
  • Patent number: 9872675
    Abstract: A physical retractor apparatus and method for retracting anatomy during surgery wherein the apparatus includes a handle rod, a body portion, a retractor blade and a mechanism which allows the retractor blade to be angularly adjusted, and secured, to one of any number of angular positions. The retractor blade may be first manually positioned to a gross angular position and thereafter fine tuned in angular position. The adjustment mechanism includes a pair of arms forced together to contract about a pivot pin to set an angular position and a threaded screw device which is rotatable to adjust further the angular position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Assignee: THOMPSON SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Steve Nowak, Christopher T. Martin
  • Patent number: 9320506
    Abstract: A retractor system includes a retractor blade that is securable to a portion of a patient's anatomy during a surgical procedure. The retractor system includes a manipulator that is releasably securable to the retractor blade for positioning and securing the retractor blade. The retractor system includes a flexible securement arm that movably secures the retractor blade to a frame, wherein a proximal end of the retractor blade is non-rigidly constrained. The securement arm is secured to the retractor blade proximate to one end of the securement arm, and is secured to a retractor frame proximate to another end of the securement arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: THOMPSON SURGICAL INSTRUMENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Rudolf Bertagnoli, Steve Nowak, Daniel K. Farley
  • Patent number: 9241619
    Abstract: A retractor system includes a frame and first and second retractor blades. The frame includes first and second securement features. At least one of the first and second securement features is movable with respect to the frame when the at least one of the first and second securement features is mounted to the frame. The first and second retractor blades each have a distal portion and a proximal portion. The proximal portions of the first and second retractor blades are configured to be secured proximate to the first and second securement features respectively, such that the first and second retractor blades may be positioned in a first position wherein the first and second retractor blades are laterally opposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Inventors: Steve Nowak, Christopher T. Martin, Daniel K. Farley, Stephanie Zalucha, John Thalgott, Josh Delickta
  • Patent number: 9089299
    Abstract: A retractor system includes a frame and first and second retractor blades. The frame includes first and second securement features. At least one of the first and second securement features is movable with respect to the frame when the first and second securement features is mounted to the frame. Proximal portions of the first and second refractor blades are secured proximate the first and second securement features respectively. In a first position the first and second refractor blades are laterally opposed. Movement of the securement feature adjusts the angle of at least one of the retractor blades so that at least one of the retractor blades may be adjusted between an acute angle and an obtuse angle to horizontal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2015
    Inventors: Steve Nowak, Christopher T. Martin, Daniel K. Farley, Stephanie Zalucha, John Thalgott, Josh Delickta
  • Publication number: 20150182211
    Abstract: A physical retractor apparatus and method for retracting anatomy during surgery wherein the apparatus includes a handle rod, a body portion, a retractor blade and a mechanism which allows the retractor blade to be angularly adjusted, and secured, to one of any number of angular positions. The retractor blade may be first manually positioned to a gross angular position and thereafter fine tuned in angular position. The adjustment mechanism includes a pair of arms forced together to contract about a pivot pin to set an angular position and a threaded screw device which is rotatable to adjust further the angular position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2014
    Publication date: July 2, 2015
    Inventors: Steve Nowak, Christopher T. Martin
  • Patent number: 8740908
    Abstract: A bone collection system includes a plunger, a tube, and a manifold. The plunger has a bore therethrough, an insertion portion, and an inlet that accepts material being harvested from a patient. The insertion portion includes a filter to prevent passage of bone fragments. The tube accepts the insertion portion, defining a first and a second chamber of the tube. The filter separates the first and second chambers of the tube. The manifold is accepted by the tube, and has an outlet accepted by a suction source. The inlet of the plunger is in fluid communication with the first chamber, the first and second chambers are in fluid communication through the filter, and the second chamber is in fluid communication with the outlet. Material being harvested is drawn through the bone collection system, and bone fragments of the desired size collected in the first chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Thompson MIS
    Inventors: Daniel K. Farley, Christper T. Martin, Steve Nowak, Stephanie Zalucha